Pristiq for Depression User Reviews

• Aljo
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 17, 2021

"I've recently come off lexapro due to some side effects, loss of sex drive and ejaculations without orgasms. How weird is that? Anyway I'm now on Pristiq and the fog has lifted. You forget how good life can be when you're in the spirals of depression. But be active in your care and keep trying different meds because one day you'll succeed. I think Pristiq is my 6th attempt at finding my happy place. For some of us there is a family history and a very real reason we are depressed. If your brain is constantly reuptaking your feel good hormones then it's out of your control til you can balance that out. I wanted to write this to give some hope and to keep trying. You are important and you deserve the best health you can achieve. Good luck and keep being brave."

• No_mo...
• August 18, 2020

"Picture this: I am dressed and ready to sell someone’s house and before I can open the door and leave I freeze. I feel impending doom. I can’t move. I can not leave the house. So I undress with tears in my eyes, cancel my appointments and creep into bed. Completely ashamed and disappointed in myself. This has affected so many aspects of my life. Everyone sees a happy, confident person... which triggers the depression.... and denial. They don’t know the mental illness I hide. I couldn’t hide it any longer.I went on Pristiq 50mg two years ago. I would take it at night and sleep well & after 6 months I got off of... slowly but surely it came back. This time my dose is 100mg. I was in complete denial but I’ve been humbled and won’t take my mental health for granted. No more hiding in bed. No more fear of the mail man or someone knocking at my door. No more panic attacks. Don’t suffer. Live better and be well."

• rbc
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 16, 2020

"I never write reviews on ANYTHING online but after being precribed Pristiq for anxiety and reading multiple negative reviews I thought I'd write about my positive experiencing with this medication. I am 31 years old and have been experiencing moderate to severe anxiety my entire life. Last summer I began taking this medication and I won't lie... the first 4 weeks were rough. Decreased appetite, increased anxiety and just very spaced out. Saying this, once you get passed the 4-6 week adjustment period this medication is LIFE CHANGING. And yes I know that this medication does not help everyone who takes it but I encourage people to tough through the adjustment period. I honestly wish I knew about this medication earlier. And yes there are still lows you will feel, this is life. And this is not a magic pill... but completely takes the edge off. I wake up feeling great most days, I have increased motivation, little to no self doubt, increased appetite, increased sex drive, etc.... the list goes on."

• Crazy...
• February 12, 2020

"So I had to share my experience because I’ve read so many reviews of so many different drugs. I was on every possible SSRI from primary care dr. The side effects were horrible. I mean HORRIBLE. Zoloft, lexapro, celexa, Prozac.....you name it I tried it. Finally got smart and went to a psychiatrist at the advice of my therapist. Hallelujah! He put me on pristiq and within days I felt better. It’s been two weeks now and he just doubled my dose. I take 25 mg at 7 pm and noticed by the next day around 2 I was getting anxious, clenching my teeth, etc. so he has upped it to 50mg. He also gave me Ativan for when my anxiety is at full tilt. I’ve had no side effects. I just want to give people hope. You can’t go by the reviews because we all react differently to medicine, but don’t give up. See the right professional. I also did the mouth swab thing to see what medicines might be a good fit. With the $$$$$. Good luck to whoever is reading this and stay strong"

• munik
• July 9, 2010

"Give Pristiq time. I've been on Pristiq for 3 and 1/2 weeks and the first 2 weeks I had hot sweats, nightmares, irritability and increased anxiety. I wanted to quit but I resisted, and then WOW the 3rd week I started feeling WONDERFUL! Side effects disappeared, lost 7 pounds, and have sex drive again. As a mother of 3 little kids and working, I felt more optimistic, energetic and enthusiastic! I love my work again, which I did a long time ago and I am much more loving with my kids and husband and show much more affection to everyone. This is who I really am and was 5 years ago! It has made me want to exercise and play with my kids again! Dont quit early give it TIME to Work. I thank God and pray for all of you that you find peace , happiness"

• Johney
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 23, 2020

"I found this drug to be extremely helpful. I haven't felt this good in years. I started with 25mg and it took approximately 4 weeks to start noticing the benefits. My therapist recommended I take the medication after having a serious panic attack that left me anxious and worried for my own personal safety. Never been that low before. Now about 5 weeks in, I'm feeling great and we decided to up my dosage to 50mg. I've had zero side effects as of yet. My advice to anyone on here who's curious about the drug to give it a try. And give the medicine time. It takes time to fully take effect. Like I said, it was weeks on end for me. Felt like an eternity. I'm more optimistic, motivated to accomplish goals, less anxiety, etc. Medications are like shoes; not every shoe is well suited for every single person on Earth. The same could be said with regard to medication. Take care all. Feel better."

• Billy
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 10, 2020

"Pristiq 50 mg is the ONLY medication which has worked for my depression. Good sleep Good appetite Upbeat, consistently good mood. I have tried everything else and nothing Worked OR I had bad experiences. This is my fifth year on Pristiq. If you’re without hope, ask your doctor. It’s been a lifesaver for me."

• Mutaza
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 11, 2019

"Update on my experience with Pristiq, I’ve been taking 50mg for over 2 weeks now for depression and I am incredibly happy with the results no negative thoughts or depressing thoughts, so it is working. I can honestly say if I didn’t find this drug I would be dead In 5 years. Sad but true. I have everything anyone could ask for but my mind tells me otherwise, so selfish considering others in this world have to deal with a hell of a lot more!"

• Full...
• March 10, 2010

"I suffer from Dysthymic Depression and had been on Prozac until it stopped working and I started having suicidal thoughts. I've been on Pristiq for 3 months and it has changed my life for the better. I take it in the morning so I sleep at night. I am no longer tired. I have tons of energy and have a zest for living again. I have dropped 12 lbs and it does not affect my energy levels for running, biking and weight training. I can focus better at work and my sex drive has returned after being dulled for the past 7 years. My husband is thrilled. This drug has been a positive step for me."

• mtl
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 21, 2020

"I have been on Pristiq for 1 month and a half. The first week felt weird : I had headaches, anxiety, couldn't eat, difficulty to sleep. Then the physical side effect went away and I started to feel better but it was very subtle and slow but steady change. After 1 month and a half I can say that I feel a lot better. I have more energy, more sense of control on my life. One thing that stays is that I have to drink a lot of water to stay hydrated. I have skipped a dose once and it wasn't bad, I didn't cry or felt horrible."

• ecalho
• June 24, 2008

"After trying several of the top ten antidepressants and never feeling exactly right - and gaining at least 30 pounds per episode - after only 2 weeks on Pristiq I have never felt better and have energy and the desire to live and exercise."

• ElmTe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 27, 2022

"I began Pristiq about 5-6 weeks ago after being on Lexapro for 2 years. While I started taking it due to my terrible anxiety, it is helpful for my depression as well. After taking a Genesite test, I learned that lexapro doesn’t work for me, and Pristiq does. So I am on 25mg. I personally had little to no side effects. The most notable were headaches and some memory issues. The headaches are now gone, but I do notice that I struggle to remember some things from time to time. I used to have panic attacks daily, making my life miserable. Now I can live my life without having to take Benadryl to sleep off the panic. I haven’t had a panic attack in 4 weeks now. I decided to come back and give this a review because many people only talk about their negative experiences with medicine. Just remember that people who have positive experiences often forget to leave a review as they are living their happy lives. Give Pristiq a try. It may just save your life!"

• butte...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 27, 2019

"Don’t be too scared to try Pristiq. Give it a chance. Everyone comes here to write horror stories but for me this really helped with my anxiety. If it works really well for people they don't tend to return to review as they are busy enjoying there lives. It also really helped me sleep and made me sleep feel more restful. The first few days taking it I had kind of migraine like symptoms, very tired, but just plan accordingly and know that will all most likely pass. Any antidepressant will have an adjustment period. The only lingering side effects I have are dry eyes and mouth especially in the morning. Good luck!"

• Munzkay
• May 25, 2021

"I have been taking generic Pristiq for several years and it has really helped. Got a refill and the bottle looked different. The pill was also different. After about 5 days, I began to get dizzy, light-headed, has problems sleeping and very anxious. It was from a different manufacturer. Stopped taking it and the dizziness has stopped, been able to sleep but have been having anxiety. I had no problems until different the pharmacy got the supply from different manufacturer."

• Niko
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 13, 2020

"I'm on Pristiq 50 for 9 months. I have had no negative side effects except brain drain when missing a dose. I like it so much that I want to try a higher dose. I've been depressed for decades. I've tried most other SSRIs antidepressants with mixed results. Pristiq is for me the best of the lot. I'm very surprised to read so many reports of adverse reactions."

• Anonymous
• February 15, 2010

"I am a 77 year old male. My Grandfather and my Father suffered from Depression. I have suffered from depression all of my life. I was first diagnosed with severe clinical depression about 1975. I was put on ELAVIL and the results were very good and I took it for about 12 years. At that time the ELAVIL stopped working and my Doctor put me on NORTRIPTYLINE. That seemed to stop the depression and worked for a long time. When it stopped working, my Doctor put me on PAXCIL. Then, a Psychiatrist added WELLBUTRIN XL. Then my PDOC replaced the generic PAXCIL with PRISTIQ. For the first time in 40 years, my depression has gone!"

• Jessm...
• September 27, 2018

"I have been on Pristiq for 10 days. Day 1-4 Constant migraines, teeth aches, insomnia, vomiting, diarrhea, no desire to eat, eye pain, brain fog, body pain, restlessness, and anxiety. I felt like I had the flu. By Day 7 I began to notice the physical symptoms go away with such great relief at feeling normal again. My depression felt at bay. I’m glad I stuck with this medication and encourage anyone else struggling at first to wait at least a week! Everyday I do something that my depressive/anxious self wouldn’t and I am proud of myself. I can converse with strangers, reply to messages right away, and get up every morning with no feeling of drowsiness and dread for what’s to come. I feel like I am finally taking control of my life. I am still having problems with my appetite and anxiety. I hope anyone else taking this with the same side effects will feel a sense of relief knowing that it will get better!"

• JanLe...
• October 4, 2008

"I just started Pristiq Exrelease 50mg about 6 days ago. I am just learning more about this drug. All these comments are very helpful, I have much, much hope. I have anxiety issues, panic disorder, and some depression. I have also noticed decreased hunger. Please continue writing in it can make a big difference to people like me. Thank you!"

• Mylif...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 19, 2021

"I have never wanted to take any SSRI or SNRI, but I became very depressed and was desperate, so I listened to my doctor who told me to try pristiq and give it 4 weeks. I suffered almost every side effect, yawning, insomnia, increased anxiety, tinnitus, sweating, incapable of having an orgasm, vivid nightmares. I took pristiq 50mg for 4 weeks and I only had 1 day that I was not depressed. I quit taking it after 4 weeks of sleepless nights and a very loud high pitched ringing in my head. 2 weeks of feeling dizzy and extreme headaches, then 2 months of bad headaches and extreme anxiety. Now 4 months off prisitq I have very high anxiety, headaches, and the worst is tinnitus. Pristiq ruined my life. After researching I realize that this tinnitus is probably not going away, since it has been 4 months, and I am devastated. The ringing is intruding my brain every second and my anxiety has grown uncontrollable along side the tinnitus. I wish I never took pristiq."

• Anonymous
• January 31, 2010

"Started with Wellbutrin 300mg - I was way to agitated -- went to Cymbalta - loved it except for the lack of ability in the sack. Went to Celexa - worked okay stayed on it for 3 months but never felt anything. So during the 3 months doctor added Wellbutrin - does not help. Celexa made me feel - no sorry it didn't make me feel anything but overall in some ways I kind of liked not feeling but that is not life. So the doctor changed to Pristiq -- WOW I feel alive, energetic, really great. I hope this continues. Oh yea .. no lack in the sack on this one. My real message here is that I hope each of you continues to work with you doctor and find the right medicine."

• ombre...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 9, 2021

"I have been taking Pristiq for more than a year now for anxiety and depression. The first month wasn't great, my anxiety increased, had trouble falling asleep, feeling nauseous. After that, these were the side effects that stuck : sweats, it takes more time to orgasm, brain zap when I forget a dose. I definitely feel better, I have a better feeling of control over my life. I don't have suicidal thoughts anymore. It gave me hope that change is possible and we don't have to accept feeling that way for our whole life."

• DDano
• October 28, 2018

"I was severely depressed for 8 months. Hospitalized for 3 weeks, suicidal. I tried Zoloft which had worked in past but got no result the second time, then at the hospital they switched me to Cymbalta. Took highest dose possible and got no relief. I then remembered I had had good results with Pristiq in the past. So I asked my doctor to change the meds again. She wanted to add Abilify to my Cymbalta but I asked to try Pristiq again. At first it was hard but after about 10 days WOW !!! I finally am back to myself. I am so relieved it was the longest and most awful 8 months of my life...I just wanted to die and now I am back loving life, so so grateful, full of energy , exercising, cooking for myself etc. !!!"

• TMc
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 10, 2020

"I tried many meds over the years that would only work for a short time. Started Pristiq one year ago. Iv'e stayed on 25mg which is normally a step-in dose. It works great for me. I was very tired the first three days but since that time I haven't had any side effects at all. This med has given me my life back!"

• Alex
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 6, 2024

"This medication completely changed my life for the better. I had persistent depression for a decade. Now, it’s very rare that I have a depressed mood. I take 150 mg every day. I feel so much more awake and alert as well. If I accidentally forget to take it, I am way more tired during the day."

• Anonymous
• August 19, 2014

"I want to share my experience because I was terrified when I first started Pristiq. It was the first time I'd taken an antidepressant following a severe depressive episode. I read so many negative things about Pristiq and people over analysing it. It took 6 weeks to work and yes I had dry mouth, headaches and nausea but they passed after a few days. The anxiety went away gradually and I felt like I could control it again. The depression lifted too and I could function. I went cold turkey to come off it (Dr supervised) and yep side effects but no big deal. The brain zaps were full on but they lasted about 4 days. I feel great. Of course I'm doing lots of exercise and eating well too...but Pristiq helped."